This week there have been persistent rumors about former UFC Welterweight Champion Georges St Pierre returning to the UFC, according to former manager Stephane Patry, a longtime controversial figure on the Canadian MMA scene. St Pierre followed up with compulsory denials, but could we see St Pierre back in the UFC in 2015?
St Pierre is still just 33 years old, so he could easily return at a high level. He suffered a knee injury while training in March but the rehabilitation is said to have gotten his competitive juices flowing, and the UFC President Dana White is on record as stating that a title shot is his if he wants it.
Despite all the talk, it would be foolish of St Pierre to wade back into the UFC title picture. The fact is that a much better option exists in the form of superfights, starting with the long talked about bout with Anderson Silva. Silva is currently booked for a superfight with Nick Diaz, but whether Diaz is even able to make the January date is still up in the air. If Diaz does not make it, that really only leaves St Pierre to make the superfight with Silva happen. So if the Diaz fight falls through for any reason, look for St Pierre to be the first phone call that the UFC makes.
St Pierre however, is likely going to wait for the winner of that Diaz-Silva fight, which the books have pegged Silva as the early favorite. Of the two opponents, Silva is the more appealing one between him and Diaz for a returning St Pierre, as he brings his reputation as the “Greatest of all time” with him, and not just the rep of the toughest guy in Stockton.
Why fight Johny Hendricks, Robbie Lawler or Hector Lombard where even a couple of wins leave you where you were before, in the middle of a meat grinder of a weight division. Much more appealing to cash in for a few big fights.
Check out the UFC’s Countdown to UFC 167, Georges St Pierre’s last UFC appearance…
